Adolescent Risk and Resilience.

Adolescence is a critical period of brain development characterized by increased sensitivity to social approval and limited impulse control. This makes adolescents more vulnerable to risks such as bullying, heavy social media use, and experimentation with drugs and alcohol. Some youth are more susceptible to developing psychopathology after exposure to these experiences, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and addiction. Pediatricians can assess these vulnerabilities during well child visits and provide strategies for minimizing risk and promoting resilience. Cyberbullying poses a higher risk of self-harm and suicidality, particularly for girls and LGBTQ youth. Heavy social media use can interfere with physical activity, sleep, academic performance, and healthy social activities, and is associated with higher rates of mood disorders and anxiety symptoms. Adolescent girls who are heavy users are also at risk of developing disordered body image and eating disorders. [Extracted from the article]

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